Kansas State Board of Education set to take up budget proposals for 2012

Topeka  The Kansas State Board of Education meets next week to discuss the state budget and whether public schools will face a fresh round of cuts in general state aid.

The board's agenda for the two-day session includes budget recommendations for the fiscal year that starts in July 2012.

Last year, the state board recommended big increases in state funding. The gesture was largely symbolic as the state expected to be facing a budget shortfall and officials weren't seriously talking about raising taxes.

Lawmakers ultimately approved a proposal from Gov. Sam Brownback cutting general aid to public schools by $232 per student, or about 5.6 percent.

The board's recommendations will go to Brownback's staff as he works on his own spending plan to present to lawmakers in January.